Dita Von Teese Swims With A Parasol In One Hand

If the classic margarita's too banal for your refined palate, you're not alone. Thankfully, Dita Von Teese, fashion plate and burlesque star has come to the rescue with her MargaDita—a tribute to the cocktail's founder Margarita Sames. "Her Margarita recipe has been enjoyed for over 60 years and it seemed only natural for me to create my own cocktail as a tribute to this glamorous and charismatic woman," Von Teese said in New York the other day. Of the mixology process she explained, "I wanted to keep the integrity of the original margarita recipe, but add a personal touch of my own."

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The personal touch means rose syrup and chipotle pepper, as well as Cointreau (she's their brand ambassador). The pleasant liquor turns out to be one of the recipe's main ingredients. "I love the idea of adding floral notes to drinks," she told us, "it adds a perfume element that lends just a touch of sweet."

Given that Von Teese always looks porcelain-perfect, and it's been impossibly hot in New York all week, we couldn't pass up the chance to ask her for makeup tips. "If its really hot outside I wear a bit less makeup, use a good mattifying lotion, and constantly powder." To forsake that summer glow she's even gone to the extreme of swimming with a parasol in one hand. "I've gotten really good at paddling with one hand while holding it in the other!" she laughed.

Mix all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled coup glass. Garnish with floating organic yellow rose petals. For an added kick, add a chipotle and salt rim.